Ultimate TTC Guide: 8 Step Plan for Preparing To Get Pregnant

Step 1 – Eat Right.

The first step in trying to get pregnant is to be healthy. Start healthy eating right now even before you try to conceive. Eat a balanced diet and be sure to get enough nutrients is the first step in getting healthy prior to trying to get pregnant.

Step 2 – Exercise.

The next step in maintaining a healthy weight and getting ready to start trying to get pregnant is exercising. If you are not already exercising regularly, it’s best to speak to your physician first prior to starting. Exercising is a great way to get your body in shape and your body functions in good working order. Learn more about TTC fitness at 5 TTC Fitness Tips Before Getting Pregnant.

Step 3 – Preconception Check Up.

Schedule an appointment with your physician to discuss your plan and talk about your overall health before you start trying. Getting a checkup can help you understand your overall health and discuss options to get ready to start trying. Your physician can do blood tests, find out if you are deficient in any areas to help you get your body ready for pregnancy. When you go see your physician, remember to bring your ovulation tracking sheet for a more accurate diagnosis. If you don't have one, get a KNOWHEN Saliva Ovulation Monitor and the free tracking app to start it now.

Step 4 – Start Taking Vitamins.

You should consider taking prenatal vitamins up to 2 months before trying to conceive. Folic acid is one vitamin that you should consider including in your vitamin regimen. Folic acid is also referred to as Vitamin B9 or Folate. Folic acid helps grow and protect cells in your body and should continue to be taking throughout pregnancy to prevent birth defects in the growing fetus. Check out Dr. Aumatma's Holistic Fertility Treatment Interview for more information.

Step 5 – Cut Back Caffeine.

Caffeine isn’t linked to infertility, however experts recommend that you cut back on caffeine when trying to get pregnant. Caffeine is a stimulant and with any stimulants, you should consider reducing your intake when trying to conceive. Consuming too much caffeine when pregnant could increase the risk of miscarriage and too much caffeine is linked to low birth weight.

Step 6 – Stop Taking Birth Control.

The pill usually works towards stopping ovulation. Once you stop taking the pill the hormones leave your body fairly quickly. It may be a matter of days before you start ovulating again, but it could take up to a few weeks or months for your body to get back on a regular schedule.

Step 7 – Track Ovulation.

In order to be successful with conception, you need to be knowledgeable about your body and when is the right time to try. Every woman’s body is different including your ovulation schedule. Especially if you’ve just stopped taking your birth control, you need to know when or if you are ovulating. There are lots of online calculators that try to pin point a rough timeframe on when you should be ovulating, but keep in mind that every woman’s cycle is different and your ovulation cycle has nothing to do with your menstrual cycle. You can purchase over the counter tools such as the KNOWHEN ovulation monitor that help you pinpoint the exact time you are ovulating, so you can be more successful conceiving.

Step 8 – Make a Plan.

Plan ahead to get your finances in order before you get pregnant. The most important step you’ll do before you get pregnant is to prepare. Having a baby and even the process of pregnancy can be expensive, understand how much money you’ll need ahead of time. Check your medical coverage to find out what it includes and be able to plan for additional expenses that are not covered under your insurance. Do you need additional savings to cover the differences? Planning ahead can help you decide if you need to adjust your current spend or budget better to add more to your savings. Planning ahead may also allow you to include some of the things you’ll need in your budget now.